Description
This specialized soap dispenser template features the industry-standard 1.375-inch (1-3/8 inch) hole diameter designed specifically for installations utilizing decorative mounting plates or escutcheons. The mounting plate configuration provides multiple advantages: it conceals minor installation imperfections, covers oversized or off-center holes from modifications, creates a finished designer appearance, and coordinates with faucet deck plates for visual continuity. Popular in both new construction and renovation projects, this approach allows fabricators to cut the standard hole size while giving designers and homeowners flexibility in the final aesthetic. Our precision DXF template ensures accurate CNC cutting for all stone materials. The mounting plate system is particularly valuable when converting multi-hole sinks to single-hole faucets, covering unused holes, or creating a cohesive look across the entire countertop surface with matching finish trim pieces.
Related Templates
This specialized soap dispenser template features the industry-standard 1.375-inch (1-3/8 inch) hole diameter designed specifically for installations utilizing decorative mounting plates or escutcheons. The mounting plate configuration provides multiple advantages: it conceals minor installation imperfections, covers oversized or off-center holes from modifications, creates a finished designer appearance, and coordinates with faucet deck plates for visual continuity. Popular in both new construction and renovation projects, this approach allows fabricators to cut the standard hole size while giving designers and homeowners flexibility in the final aesthetic. Our precision DXF template ensures accurate CNC cutting for all stone materials. The mounting plate system is particularly valuable when converting multi-hole sinks to single-hole faucets, covering unused holes, or creating a cohesive look across the entire countertop surface with matching finish trim pieces.
Installation Overview
Installing soap dispensers with mounting plates follows the standard 1.375-inch hole cutting procedure but with additional considerations for the surface-mounted escutcheon. Begin by cutting the standard hole using this template, positioned 4 to 6 inches from the faucet centerline. The beauty of the mounting plate system is its forgiveness - minor positioning variations are concealed beneath the decorative plate. After cutting, clean the hole edges thoroughly and test-fit the dispenser body from below. The mounting plate (typically 10 inches long for kitchen applications, or circular for bathroom installations) sits atop the finished countertop surface, covering the hole and creating a finished appearance. Most systems use a gasket between the plate and stone surface to prevent water infiltration, with the dispenser mounting through both the plate and the countertop. Secure the assembly from below with the provided mounting nut, ensuring even pressure to compress the gasket evenly. The mounting plate approach is ideal for retrofit situations where existing holes need covering, multi-hole configurations being converted to fewer holes, or when matching a faucet's deck plate finish. Popular finishes include brushed nickel, matte black, chrome, and oil-rubbed bronze, with plates available in stainless steel or brass construction. This configuration provides extra stability for the dispenser and allows for easier replacement since the plate can be removed without disturbing the stone.
CNC Cutting Notes
CNC cutting for mounting plate soap dispenser installations uses identical parameters to standard 1.375-inch holes, but with added flexibility since the decorative plate conceals the hole perimeter. Program your CNC router with a 1/4-inch diameter carbide or diamond bit, using helical interpolation at 80-100 IPM feed rate for granite and 90-110 IPM for quartz, with spindle speeds of 18,000-22,000 RPM. The advantage of the mounting plate configuration is that edge finish quality is less critical - the plate covers the top surface completely, so minor chipping or imperfect roundness won't be visible. This makes the mounting plate version ideal for training new CNC operators or working with challenging materials. However, maintain professional standards regardless, as poor cuts can create structural weaknesses. Use a step-down of 0.010-0.015 inches per pass, making 3-4 full passes through standard 3cm material. Water cooling remains important for tool life and preventing thermal stress in the stone. For production efficiency, the mounting plate configuration can actually increase throughput since post-cut edge polishing is unnecessary - the plate covers any rough edges. When cutting for mounting plate systems, verify the plate's coverage area (typically 10 inches x 2 inches for linear plates) to ensure the hole falls completely within the concealed zone. This provides flexibility in hole placement not available with exposed installations.
Material Compatibility
The mounting plate soap dispenser template works exceptionally well across all countertop materials, with particular advantages for challenging or imperfect surfaces. Granite installations benefit significantly - the mounting plate conceals any minor chipping at the hole edge, making it ideal for highly figured patterns, fractured areas, or stone with challenging cutting characteristics. Vein-cut or cross-cut granites where veining patterns intersect the hole location are good candidates for mounting plates. Quartz and engineered stone cut cleanly at this diameter, with the mounting plate adding a design element that coordinates with appliances and fixtures. For marble, especially softer varieties prone to edge spalling, the mounting plate configuration is excellent - it completely hides any cutting imperfections while protecting the hole perimeter from future chipping. Quartzite, despite its hardness, occasionally produces micro-fractures during cutting; mounting plates conceal these beautifully. The template also excels for laminate countertops where the mounting plate reinforces the relatively thin material and prevents moisture infiltration around the hole. For solid surface materials like Corian, the mounting plate provides visual interest and durability enhancement. In retrofit situations where countertop surfaces show wear, scratches, or damage near the faucet area, a decorative mounting plate conceals imperfections while adding a refreshed appearance. The escutcheon also works well with tile countertops, spanning grout lines and creating a smooth installation surface.
Where to Buy
Soap dispensers with mounting plates are widely available through home improvement retailers, online marketplaces, and plumbing supply houses. Amazon offers numerous options ranging from $30-80 for complete kits including the dispenser, 17oz bottle, and 10-inch escutcheon plate in popular finishes. Home Depot and Lowe's stock models from major manufacturers including Delta, Moen, and Kohler, many of which include optional deck plates. For designer finishes and commercial-grade construction, visit Ferguson, Build.com, or Signature Hardware which carry premium brands with matching finish options. Kitchen and bath showrooms can special-order mounting plates in custom finishes like brushed gold, champagne bronze, or powder-coated colors to match other fixtures. Online specialists like Faucet Direct and Supply.com offer extensive selections with detailed specifications. For professional fabricators, plumbing wholesalers like Hajoca and F.W. Webb supply commercial-grade units with extended warranties and bulk pricing.